I’m taking matters into my own hands. After yesterday’s post, no one asked for a lesson in preserving their fruit. I’m deeply hurt. Just kidding. I’m going to teach you anyway. Because I love you. Even if you don’t love me. That’s just the way it is.

I saved this pickle jar. I’m so glad I did. Because it turned out to be a very useful preserving jar and I didn’t have to go buy a jar. Recycling in my very own kitchen. Amen.

Now, the true glory is how simple and cheap this is. A little kosher salt, some of your lemons hanging on your tree going to waste (you know who you are!) and a recycled pickle jar.

One does not need much more than this in life. Maybe just a pocket knife. And a rifle. And whiskey. And a bedroll. This plus your jar of lemons is all you need.

Add a good half inch or so of salt to the bottom of your jar and start slicing your lemons.

You can slice them horizontally or vertically, whichever way you want. Whatever suits your mood.

Begin packing them in snugly, adding salt in between the layers along the way so there is as little air space as possible.

Is that perfection or what? And the smell… oh my goodness you could resolve arguments with that smell.

I recommend investing in a lot of kosher salt. It will set you up for success in life. Bring it to an interview and see what I mean.

You can preserve just about anything with it. It’s glorious.

Now. This is my personal flair. Like in Office Space where the waitress had to have sixteen items of personal flair… well, this is mine. Star Anise. But you don’t have to have mine, you can have your own. Be unique. Express yourself. Use whatever the heck you want. Within reason. Stay within the boundaries of reason. I consider: thyme, cloves, and rosemary as examples of staying within the boundaries of reason. In case you were wondering.

Drop these babies in. Let them fall where they may.

Now add more salt.

Lots and lots of salt.

No air bubbles. Hit it against the counter to make sure.

Put the lid on ‘er and squeeze ‘er tightly.

Now, tuck the jar away in a dark cabinet for at least 1 month and watch what happens. Just watch. We’ll revisit these babies together soon. Just keep an eye on them and add more salt along the way if it gets too liquidy.

Here are some recipes you can use them in. But I say be creative and try them in your favorite fish and meat dishes, especially ones where you braise. The key is to make sure that you rinse them very well, remove the pith and use the rind in small dice or strips for an extra flair.

Georgia Says

02 June 2010

Oh that's so exciting John! I can't wait for mine to be ready. I look at them every day. We'll have to compare notes. I found that I had to top mine off with salt after a few days, you might have to as well…

OK! Finally found the recipe! You are my son's favorite cook/hunter – I thought at first it was just because of how you look – (should have known he would need more than just looks) – now I know better, your recipes are the best and you are a good writer too. BTW, I think I'm getting my first gun for Christmas this year – I'm 65, so I've been waiting a long time for a gun of my own 😉 Thanks for what you do, for sharing your talents with the rest of us, and, Merry Christmas!!!